“This building is a part of the story here at SIUE…to become a landmark in this state, the region, and the nation.”–Dean Gregory Budzban

Nearing September’s end, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted a “Science Showcase,” an event celebrating the $32-million renovation of Science Building East. The building, 166,000 square feet in size and originally opening in 1966, was the second classroom space on the University’s campus.

Following a ribbon cutting, SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and Dean Greg Budzban each gave a speech, reinforcing how the upgrades will elevate the teaching and research facilities at the University. “This building is a part of the story here at SIUE,” stated Budzban, “To become a landmark in this state, the region, and the nation.”

Completing the renovation was a feat that required multiple levels of effort, including those of Senator Bill Hane, who also spoke that night about Science East, “This renovation is a statement of recognition of the investment that taxpayers have put in. This is a great investment–engineering and science are keystones of the American economy.”

The second half of the showcase was tailored towards tours of the state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. From room to room, visitors were able to engage with professors, participate in experiments, and take part in the launch of the brand new AISLE Project. While rearranging cubelet robots in the physics lab, former alumni Andrew Ravanelli attested to the building’s astonishing transformations, “I cannot even gather my bearings to figure out where my classroom was when I was an undergraduate–the renovations here in Science East are truly amazing.” The redesigned and fully renovated building is an enormous transformation for SIUE, promoting a future for cutting edge teaching and research.